Reading’s Supporters Trust has released an update following their meeting with the English Football League (EFL) in response to the club’s most recent points deduction.
Reading received a two-point deduction last week after owner Dai Yongge failed to pay HMRC on time, with another two points postponed.
The EFL indicated that they pressed for Dai Yongge’s disqualification, but the Independent Disciplinary Commission chose not to pursue it owing to
The EFL also suggested that Reading should be penalized four points, but the IDC instead imposed a two-point punishment and fined Dai Yongge £100,000.
According to the minutes of the meeting with STAR, the EFL highlighted that Reading FC had previously earned a four-point deduction in August 2023, three of which were suspended. The suspended point deduction went into effect the next month.
“The EFL’s principle for ensuring future compliance and sporting integrity is that future sporting punishments for the same or comparable breaches should be greater than those imposed previously.
“As a result, four points was the minimum to symbolize an escalating approach to sanctions, consistent with precedents established in prior disciplinary actions pursued by the EFL.
The EFL stated that the tribunal agreed to the four-point deduction, although two points were suspended, providing partial mitigation. STAR contested this claim on the basis of the effects of a deduction, saying that the owner has effectively ‘checked out’, is supporting the bare minimum, and the risk of sanctions is thereby affecting sale changes.
The EFL stated that League One consists of Reading FC and 23 other clubs. It is clearly recognized that there is a causal link between squad spending and performance, and this is a fundamental principle of sanctions.
“The EFL stated that points deductions are a standard measure applied across football in similar settings. The decision was finally decided by the Independent Disciplinary Commission, and consistency with approaches to other clubs is crucial. Finally, the EFL emphasized that it is not their intention to influence the sale of the club, but other clubs in the competition will expect regulations to be followed.
“The EFL expressed dismay at the reaction to the organization following the announcement of sanctions.” The EFL indicated that while fans want the team to be left alone, other clubs want a uniform approach to enforcing regulations.
“The EFL noted that in a benefactor model, such as Reading FC, you can separate the owner from the Club to target the individual, but you cannot separate the Club from the owner entirely when it comes to the actions of the Club due to the owner, therefore sanctions are appropriate.”
